Activist Hanifa Adan has spoken out against the growing online push to include Kibera in YouTube star IShowSpeed’s upcoming Kenya visit, stating clearly that informal settlements should not be treated as tourist attractions or content opportunities. Her remarks come as Kenyan content creators debate what the American streamer should experience while in the country, with some suggesting visits to low-income areas for viral moments.
In a statement shared on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Hanifa expressed concern about the direction of the conversation, noting that public arguments among creators were unnecessary and misplaced. She emphasized that major international creators like IShowSpeed do not travel without detailed plans and professional teams guiding their schedules.
“I’m pretty sure Speed and his team already have a clear plan for what they want to see and do in Kenya, so watching content creators fight on TikTok over what he should experience here is honestly funny,” she said.
Her message directly challenged the idea that showcasing poverty generates meaningful exposure for the country. According to Hanifa, framing hardship as entertainment strips communities of dignity and reduces real struggles to digital spectacles.
Why does Hanifa say Kibera should not be content?
Hanifa firmly rejected any suggestion that Kibera or similar informal settlements should be used as backdrops for viral content. She stressed that poverty should never be packaged for views or clicks, regardless of the creator’s influence or intentions.
“For the record, Kibera or any other informal settlement is not a tourist attraction. We should not, under any circumstances, turn poverty into content or parade people’s suffering for clicks.”
She added that Kenya’s identity should not be shaped around images of deprivation when the country offers a wide range of cultural, creative, and social experiences that reflect resilience, talent, and innovation.
“Kenya has so much more to offer than poverty porn, and that’s the story worth telling,” Hanifa said.
Her remarks resonated with many online users who echoed concerns about ethical storytelling, representation, and the responsibility that comes with global platforms. The conversation has since expanded beyond IShowSpeed’s visit to include broader questions about how African stories are framed for international audiences.
What experiences are being proposed instead for IShowSpeed?
Hanifa’s comments followed a post by content strategist Director Trevor, who offered a contrasting perspective by outlining activities he believes would align with IShowSpeed’s energetic and interactive style. In an Instagram post shared on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Trevor listed ten culturally immersive and entertainment-focused experiences as excitement builds around the streamer’s Kenyan stop during his 28-day, multi-country African tour.
Trevor proposed that iShowSpeed race Kenya’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, as a standout moment capable of captivating both local and global viewers.
“As a content strategist who understands Speed’s content and brand concept, this is what I think he should do in Kenya: Race with Omanyala,” he wrote.
He also suggested a traditional Maasai welcome dance as a way for the streamer to engage with one of Kenya’s most recognizable cultural expressions.
“Maasai traditional welcome dance,” he added.
Other ideas included direct engagement with young Kenyans through digital culture and everyday experiences that reflect urban life and creativity.
“TikTok challenge with Mathare kids, taste the roaming chef’s food, isikuti dance and Nganya (matatu) experience,” Trevor added.
Together, the contrasting views from Hanifa and Trevor have sparked a wider national conversation about ethical content creation, cultural pride, and how Kenya presents itself to the world. As anticipation for IShowSpeed’s visit continues to grow, the debate highlights a shared desire to showcase the country with respect, authenticity, and balance.
By Risper Akinyi